Overview

Literary fellowships and grants support writers by providing funding, recognition, and time to develop their work. The funds awarded can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands such as the Amy Lowell Poetry Traveling Scholarship whose grants offer up to $78,000. Many fellowships and grants prioritize emerging voices, underrepresented communities, and writers whose work contributes to cultural understanding. Contributors to anthologies or literary journals often use published pieces to support their application portfolios.

This page provides a brief guidance and pointers to help contributors pursue literary fellowships, especially those offered by national and state arts organizations. It outlines eligibility considerations, application components, and strategies for preparing strong submissions.

Key Fellowship Opportunities
  • National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Literature Fellowships
    The NEA offers highly competitive fellowships to poets and prose writers. These awards support the creation of new work and recognize artistic excellence. Applicants typically submit a writing sample and demonstrate a record of publication. (Although this grant has been around for decades, this was canceled for fiscal year 2026. It is uncertain at this point whether this will be offered again in the future or whether this grant has been canceled altogether.)
  • State Arts Council Fellowships
    Many state arts councils offer fellowships or grants to individual writers. These programs vary by state but often support emerging and established authors. Applicants usually provide a writing sample and a brief statement of artistic intent.
  • Private Literary Foundations
    Organizations such as the Poetry Foundation, the Academy of American Poets, and regional literary centers offer fellowships, grants, and residency opportunities. These programs may focus on specific genres, themes, or communities.
Preparing a Strong Application
  • Writing Sample
    Most fellowships require a polished writing sample. Applicants should select work that reflects their strongest voice and aligns with the fellowship’s focus. Previously published pieces are often preferred.
  • Artist Statement
    An artist statement explains the writer’s goals, influences, and creative direction. It should be clear, concise, and reflective of the writer’s unique perspective.
  • Project Description
    Some fellowships request a description of the project the writer intends to pursue. This section should outline the concept, themes, and anticipated impact of the work.
  • Publication Record
    A list of publications demonstrates a writer’s engagement with the literary community (this is where your contribution to the Poetry Anthology comes in). Contributors may include anthology appearances, journal publications, and other relevant work.
Eligibility Considerations

Most literary fellowships have specific eligibility requirements that applicants must review carefully before applying. While each program differs, the following categories represent the most common criteria used by national, state, and private arts organizations.

1. Publication History
Many fellowships require applicants to demonstrate a record of literary activity. This may include:

  • publication in an anthology
  • publication in a literary journal
  • prior editorial selection
  • evidence of ongoing creative work

A Santos Press credit can serve as a first‑round indicator of legitimacy, showing that you have already passed an external editorial review.

2. Residency Requirements
Some fellowships require applicants to:

  • be U.S. citizens
  • be permanent residents
  • reside in a specific state for a defined period
  • maintain residency throughout the fellowship year

State arts councils almost always require proof of residency.

3. Genre Eligibility
Programs typically specify which genres they support. For example:

  • poetry
  • fiction
  • creative nonfiction
  • hybrid forms (varies by program)

4. Career Stage
Some fellowships are open only to:

  • emerging writers
  • mid‑career writers
  • writers without a published book
  • writers who have not previously received major awards

Others are open to all career stages. Applicants should verify which category they fall into.

5. Work Sample Requirements
Most fellowships require a blind writing sample, meaning:

  • no identifying information
  • unpublished work is preferred or required
  • the sample must match the genre of the fellowship

This would mean using unpublished poems for the blind sample while listing your Santos Press publication on your CV.

6. Prior Awards or Funding
Some programs restrict eligibility if the applicant has:

  • previously received the same fellowship
  • received major national awards
  • received certain levels of funding

Others encourage repeat applicants. Requirements vary widely.

7. Identity‑ or Community‑Based Eligibility
Some fellowships are designed to support specific communities, such as:

  • Veterans
  • writers of color
  • LGBTQ+ writers
  • writers with disabilities
  • regional or rural writers

8. Project‑Based Requirements
Some fellowships require:

  • a project proposal
  • a statement of artistic intent
  • a description of the work the applicant plans to complete

Others are purely merit‑based and require only a writing sample.

Tips for Success
  • Review eligibility requirements carefully.
  • Tailor each application to the specific fellowship.
  • Proofread all materials for clarity and accuracy.
  • Seek feedback from peers or mentors before submitting.
  • Track deadlines and plan ahead to avoid last-minute submissions.

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This resource page is intended to support writers in navigating fellowship opportunities and preparing competitive applications. It may be updated as new programs and resources become available.